GF Pancakes E2 Style

When I saw the Spelt Blueberry Pancake recipe in the 28-Day Challenge PDF, I knew I had to try it. I looked for spelt flour but didn't find it in my local stores so I substituted a GF baking flour mixture in its place. All I can say is "Yum!" over this recipe. If you are a pancake fan, or if you're craving blueberry muffins, make this and enjoy. You'll feel like your indulging but you are eating for your health.

I made 1/2 a batch and it gave me 9 cakes. After eating one, I felt satisfied. I always had butter and syrup with a breakfast like this but I didn't even miss the flavor of the butter. Extras will go in the fridge (or freezer) for another day. So glad I tried this one out! #E2Challenge

Avocado Experiment

There can be a lot of junk in guacamole. I tried to clean it up and make it E2 compliant. Take a look-

Mash one ripe avocado, drizzle with lemon juice. Stir til somewhat smooth. Add chopped jalapeño, onion, garlic, tomato, dried parley or cilantro, and pepper. Combine gently so it stays chunky. Eat it up!

I hope this is a nice addition to your E2 food arsenal! #E2Challenge

Lunch

A quick post while I'm on my lunch break about lunch. I have to come up with more ideas for what to pack. So far, I've only made peanut butter and banana sandwiches. I love them but won't want to eat them constantly. I also bring fruit for snacks. Orange slices, apple, grapes... Those are winners! Also, I've brought rice cakes. I like their crunch. I ate a couple of Doritos (I know, they aren't in the plan) and almost gagged. They are so salty and greasy! How did I ever enjoy them, much less eat them? I think my tastes are changing for the good, and it is only day 4!  #E2Challenge

Mornings

I've never considered myself to be a morning person. As long as I can remember, I resisted getting up early, no matter how long I slept for the night. In my teen years, many days my father would have to come into my room after my alarm went off (and snoozed a few times) to get me up and at 'em so I wouldn't miss the bus to school. And it rolled up to our driveway at 6:55! In my last year of high school, I missed the graduation rehearsal session after over-sleeping and turning off my alarm that day. No one was home to make sure I was up in time. 

There was one week, after recovering from a severe gastrointestinal virus, that I remember having so much energy, I didn't know what to do with myself. I would wake up early feeling well rested and ready to go. It seemed odd. Maybe that is what it feels like for other people who are morning types. Unfortunately, it only lasted a week, then it was no longer the norm but a once in a while thing again. 

As I get older, naps on weekends are  becoming a habit too. I find I want to sleep after lunch. I would guess that is food related. Kinda like wanting to sleep after that last slice of pie on Thanksgiving day. I took a long nap Saturday afternoon. Longer than usual. I justify it by telling myself, "I must have needed that." 

It will be interesting to see whether or not my "morning person" light switch comes on while doing this challenge. Or if it will eliminate the need for naps. It would be nice if if did! Energy is good!

#E2Challenge

Day 2 - Super Bowl Snacks

Making up snacks for our evening within the plant strong and gluten free guidelines that are worthy of our little Super Bowl party was a challenge in itself.

I was in the grocery store and saw carts piled high with bags of wings, quart sized jars of hot sauce, bags of chips, tubs of dips, dozens of cans of fizzy beverages... Yikes!

I decided to do the crudités and garlic hommos and a big bowl of "cowboy caviar" to be scooped up with toasted corn tortilla chips. 

Wholesome snacks that were delicious and satisfying. Good eating times! #E2Challenge

Day 1 - Main Dishes

15 Bean Soup

Oops! I didn't get a picture of it. But it all started with a bag of the dried soup beans. I boiled them for an hour in water. Then I drained most of the water out and added vegetable stock, chopped onion, bacon flavored tempeh, black pepper, turmeric, parsley, and hot sauce. That simmered for an hour and was served with homemade artisan style gf bread. 

My version of Moe's Personal Trainer

I enjoyed getting the Trainer at Moe's. It was loaded with all my favorites and I'd get the fried shell. Did I eat the shell? Of course. Then I'd be sorry a half hour later, if you know what I mean. 

One day, I thought I'd save the trip and made my own big bowl of the salad and dubbed it Homemade Moe's. We indulge on it somewhat regularly, since it's so yummy!

Place a layer of lettuce in the bottom of a large bowl. Top with brown rice, black beans, sautéed mushrooms (cooked with Mexican seasonings of choice), chopped tomato, corn salsa, tomato salsa, black olives, red pepper, and jalapeño pepper. Splash some lime juice and vinegar on top and dive in with a toasted corn or whole grain tortilla. 

Day 1 was an absolute pleasure! I feel good. Are you in the challenge? Why not?!!! #E2Challenge

Power-packed Day 1 Breakfast

Oatmeal with fruit.

I love oatmeal. This morning I wanted to indulge in it sans sugar, artificial flavors, and food colors. How does this look compared to the little packets of instant oats? 

The way I made it - I did servings for two but made half with quick cook steel cut oats with water and half with rolled oats and almond milk. 

Boil the liquid, add the steel cut oats. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then add the rolled oats and cook 5 minutes more. Add more liquid if too thick. Top with fruit and serve. 

I like to shop at Aldis for fruit and veggies. Sometimes their soft fruit is so ripe, it only lasts a day or two in the fridge. To help keep longer, I do a vinegar water rinse and store it in food keeper bags. 

When I opened my blackberries, there was one moldy one in the container. Out it went! The wash will delay the spread of the mold to the other fruit. Just put water in a bowl and a couple tablespoons of vinegar. I used white but apple cider vinegar is great too. Let them soak about 5 minutes and strain them. Now they're ready for eating and the fridge. 

I can say with most certainty that this will be a regular breakfast this month. It's quick, easy, tasty, and so good for you. Goodbye sugar and fat, hello clean eats!

Want to take the challenge? Go to engine2diet.com for all the info you need. Be well, everyone! #E2Challenge